A victory in Sunday night's race or next Saturday's regular-season finale at Richmond International Raceway would put Stewart into the Chase for the Sprint Cup. NASCAR announced Friday that it would grant Stewart a waiver -- a rule exception reserved for medical or unusual circumstances -- to give Stewart an open door to the 16-driver Chase field. He must win one of the next two races.

Stewart, a three-time Cup champion, has three wins at the 1.54-mile layout here.

Stewart remains under investigation in the death of Ward Jr. On Friday, Ontario County Sheriff Philip Povero said the investigation would continue for at least another two weeks.

Joey Logano led the practice session with a speed of 189.351. Pole winner Kevin Harvick was second, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. was third.